Heng’s operation went well. Surgery will improve her quality of life by eliminating the infection and discomfort. Her mom feels happy that she won’t have to miss any more school.

Her mother says, “I’m happy my daughter is sleeping and feeling better after the surgery.”

Heng's operation went well. Surgery will improve her quality of life by eliminating the infection and discomfort. Her mom feels happy that s...

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April 26, 2018

Heng is a 10-year-old girl from Cambodia. She likes to study science and the Khmer language. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up. She enjoys drawing and watching TV with friends. She has one older brother.

For the past two years, Heng has had a recurrent infection, which causes nasal obstruction, runny nose, sneezing, and hearing loss. In order to get rid of the infection, she needs to have a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery.

Fortunately, surgery is scheduled for April 26. Now, her family needs help raising $221 to fund the procedure.

Her mother says, “I hope my daughter’s infection goes away after the surgery. I don’t like seeing her sick all the time.”

Heng is a 10-year-old girl from Cambodia. She likes to study science and the Khmer language. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up. Sh...

Heng's Timeline

Heng received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Most people in Cambodia who require this procedure are from rural areas that have poor hygiene and little access to education. They frequently contract rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. If patients do not have the money to seek treatment, they will often see a traditional healer instead. An incorrect prescription can cause a recurrence of the infection.

Process

Impact on patient's life

Risks and side-effects

Accessibility

Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient is put on a course of antibiotics for one to two weeks to settle the infection. Under general anesthesia, each tonsil is removed by monopolar cauterization from a recess in the side of the pharynx called the tonsillar fossa. The bleeding is controlled and requires no suture. The total time required for the procedure is about one hour.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

Patients will no longer experience recurrent infections. They will enjoy reduced pain and improved breathing and sleeping. Patients can return to school and work.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This condition is very treatable, and the operation is highly successful and effective.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

There are few ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialists in Cambodia, and most are concentrated in major cities where services are costly. If patients cannot afford to travel and pay for treatment at hospitals in the city, they self-medicate with painkillers or visit Khmer traditional healers.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

The alternatives to this treatment are only short-term fixes to manage pain. If left untreated, throat infections can lead to more serious complications with other organs.